The highly anticipated drama Maalik, directed by Rajkummar Rao, debuted in theaters this Friday, although preliminary results point to a lackluster start. Even though Rao’s powerful performance and the social drama plot of the movie generated much buzz, it was unable to match Bhool Chuk Maaf’s opening energy, which is still dominating the box office.
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Maalik vs Bhool Chuk Maaf: Opening Day Numbers
On Day 1, Maalik earned around ₹3 crore (net) in India. The film was distributed on more than 1,500 screens, with good occupancy in metropolitan multiplexes but low footfall in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
In comparison, Bhool Chuk Maaf, which launched only last week, received ₹6.2 crore on its opening day. Even on its second Friday, Bhool Chuk Maaf has higher retention than on Day 1. This gap has raised questions in the trade sector, considering Rajkummar Rao’s star power and pre-release advertisements that suggested a bigger beginning.
Mixed Audience Reactions and Early Reviews
While reviewers lauded Maalik for its performances and thought-provoking theme, general audiences have had varied reactions. Social media sites such as X (previously Twitter) are rife with conflicting comments, with some complimenting Rao’s passion and others labeling the script “slow” and “emotionally heavy.”
According to critic Taran Adarsh, Rajkummar Rao’s performance is impressive, but the film’s tempo may not appeal to many audiences.
Cinema halls reported 30-35% occupancy during morning and afternoon performances, with a minor improvement in nighttime shows in major areas like Mumbai and Delhi.
Why the Film Underperformed on Day 1
Several things might have influenced Maalik’s delayed start:
- Genrefatigue: The socially oriented tale did not resonate with weekend consumers seeking lighter material.
- The Movie has lost out on premium screens and nighttime programs owing to competition from Bhool Chuk Maaf, which remains popular because of its entertaining content and viral songs.
- Limited buzz: Despite strong trailers, Maalik lacked a viral promotional campaign to generate pre-release excitement.
- Word-of-mouth delay: Maalik, a content-heavy picture, may take longer to gain traction if word-of-mouth improves over the weekend.
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Can Maalik Recover Over the Weekend?
All eyes are now on the Saturday and Sunday results. If the picture gets a 35-50% increase, it may still have a decent weekend gross. However, with no major holidays and significant holdovers such as Bhool Chuk Maaf, the road ahead appears difficult.
Rajkummar Rao is set to appear on a few TV and internet chat programs this weekend to raise awareness, which may help draw a larger audience. Trade analysts believe Maalik will need to rely on critical praise, OTT buzz, and potential student/youth viewers throughout the week to keep afloat.
Final Verdict
Maalik debuted to low numbers and now pales in comparison to Bhool Chuk Maaf, an unexpected smash. Maalik’s first day collection of ₹3 crore falls below expectations. The film’s box office survival now depends on how it does this weekend.
Will it gain traction or fade into a brief theatrical run? The following 48 hours will reveal.